President Trump plans to attend Knicks’ NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden
President Trump said he plans to watch the New York Knicks play, as the team advances to the Finals for the first time since 1999.
New York City is gearing up for Monday’s big night, the Knicks’ home game in the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden.
But with Mayor Zoran Mamdani and President Donald Trump both attending the game, everyday New Yorkers should expect something to change at this game.
Here are five things you should know before jumping ball.
Viewing parties outside the park will be cancelled.
Madison Square Garden’s outdoor surveillance party, which is known for drawing thousands of fans, was canceled this weekend after the U.S. Secret Service and New York City Police Department determined safety requirements were too high.
But don’t worry. Other watch parties have been held in Central Park and Brooklyn Bowl, and a new location has been added in Bryant Park.
“The Bryant Park viewing party was added by Mamdani after the U.S. Secret Service and New York City Police Department determined that a viewing party could not be held outside of Madison Square Garden due to increased security requirements associated with President Trump’s attendance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals,” a release about the move said.
To participants: No carry-on baggage
The NBA announced it would increase safety measures and implement a “strict” no-bag policy.
“As Monday night’s Game 3 of the NBA Finals approaches, Madison Square Garden and the U.S. Secret Service want to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all ticket holders by sharing important security procedures that will be in place,” the company said.
He warned that security measures would be similar to those at airport TSA screenings and that personal belongings should be kept to an “absolute minimum.”
If you have a ticket, please arrive early.
In addition to heavy security, officials said guests must arrive at least two hours before the game to get in line.
Surrounding roads are expected to be closed
The Secret Service told Reuters that New Yorkers “should expect severe road closures in the area surrounding Madison Square Garden.”
It was not immediately clear which streets would be closed to traffic.
Even snitching could be affected by President Trump’s visit.
Late last year, the US Open men’s final was delayed by 30 minutes due to safety measures related to President Trump, the BBC reported at the time.
Although plans to change the tipoff time have not been confirmed, past events attended by President Trump may shed some light on what Knicks fans can expect tonight.
